Broadway's Original "Annie" Andrea McArdle Will Appear In NBC's 'Annie Live!'

It was announced during a special appearance on NBC’s TODAY Show that Andrea McArdle will be joining the cast of NBC’s upcoming live production of the musical “Annie” airing on December 2. Andrea McArdle originated the iconic role on Broadway in 1977.

For the NBC production, McArdle will play the role of Eleanor Roosevelt.

Celina Smith, who will take on the role of Annie for the live broadcast talked about having the original join the cast.

“Oh, my gosh!” said Celina Smith to Andrea McArdle. “It’s so iconic. I mean, I never thought that I would ever, ever meet you, but when I heard you were going to be playing Eleanor Roosevelt, I freaked out!”.

“I was so pleased,” McArdle said about the chance to work with Celina, whom she called “the brightest, shiniest, (most) positive, talented” young actor.

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Broadway’s Original “Annie” Andrea McArdle Will Appear In NBC’s ‘Annie Live!’